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Russia rules out spy swap with US after detaining ex-marine Paul Whelan, says 'premature' to barter for Maria Butina

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Paul Whelan, a former US Marine who also holds Canadian, British and Irish citizenship, was detained in Moscow in late December. His arrest has led to speculation that Russia could be using him to bargain for a Russian who pleaded guilty to acting as a foreign agent in the United States. Reported by Firstpost 29 minutes ago.

PGS: Q4 2018 Update - Strong MultiClient Sales

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 *January 7, 2019:* Oslo, Norway, based on a preliminary review of Q4 2018 sales, PGS (or "the Company") expects to report total Segment Revenues of approximately $235 million and a Segment EBITDA of approximately $145 million for Q4 2018.

The Company experienced strong customer interest and momentum for its MultiClient library. Total Q4 Segment MultiClient revenues are estimated to approximately $195 million, of which approximately $160 million are late sales revenues. Q4 capitalized MultiClient cash investments are estimated to approximately $40 million.

Segment EBITDA, when used by the Company, means Segment EBIT excluding other charges, impairment and loss on sale of long-term assets and depreciation and amortization. Reference is made to the definitions of Segment Revenues, Segment EBIT, Segment EBITDA and other alternative performance measures in the Company's annual and quarterly reports.

The Company provides this information based on a preliminary summary of sales. The Company has not completed its financial reporting and related consolidation, review and control procedures, including the review of all sales against the established revenue recognition/cut-off criteria. The estimates provided in this release are therefore subject to change and the Q4 2018 financial statements finally approved and released by the Company may deviate materially from the information herein.

PGS will report Q4 and preliminary full year 2018 results on January 31, 2019.

 

 

 

FOR DETAILS, CONTACT:
* *

*Bård Stenberg, VP IR & Corporate Communications *
Phone:  +47 67 51 43 16
Mobile:  +47 99 24 52 35

 

 

***
Petroleum Geo-Services ASA and its subsidiaries ("PGS" or "the Company") is a focused marine geophysical company that provides a broad range of seismic and reservoir services, including acquisition, imaging, interpretation, and field evaluation. The Company MultiClient data library is among the largest in the seismic industry, with modern 3D coverage in all significant offshore hydrocarbon provinces of the world. The Company operates on a worldwide basis with headquarters in Oslo, Norway and the PGS share is listed on the Oslo stock exchange (OSE: PGS). For more information on PGS visit www.pgs.com.

***
 The information included herein contains certain forward-looking statements that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on various assumptions made by the Company, which are beyond its control and are subject to certain additional risks and uncertainties. The Company is subject to a large number of risk factors including but not limited to the demand for seismic services, the demand for data from our multi-client data library, the attractiveness of our technology, unpredictable changes in governmental regulations affecting our markets and extreme weather conditions. For a further description of other relevant risk factors we refer to our Annual Report for 2017. As a result of these and other risk factors, actual events and our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The reservation is also made that inaccuracies or mistakes may occur in the information given above about current status of the Company or its business. Any reliance on the information above is at the risk of the reader, and PGS disclaims any and all liability in this respect.This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Reported by GlobeNewswire 1 day ago.

PGS: Vessel allocation Q4 2018

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*January 7, 2019: *Oslo, Norway*, *PGS routinely releases information about 3D vessel utilization after the end of each quarter.

Summary of vessel utilization:

 

Approximate allocation of PGS operated 3D towed streamer capacity  

Quarter ended
December 31, Quarter ended September 30,
  2018 2017 2018
Contract seismic 23% 23% 19%
MultiClient seismic 14% 23% 68%
Steaming 15% 15% 5%
Yard 5% 7% 0%
Stacked/Standby 43% 32% 8%

               
The Q4 2018 vessel statistics includes eight vessels. All cold-stacked* vessels are excluded from the statistics.

PGS will release its Q4 and preliminary full year 2018 financial results on Thursday January 31, 2019, at approximately 7:00am Central European Time (CET). A corresponding presentation is scheduled for 09:00am CET the same day.

*The term "cold-stacked" is used when a vessel is taken out of operation for an extended period of time. Costs are reduced to a minimum, with the vessel preserved for a long idle time, all or most in-sea seismic equipment removed from the vessel, and typically the crew required to operate the vessel is terminated.

 

FOR DETAILS, CONTACT:
* *

*Bård Stenberg, SVP IR & Communication *
Mobile:  +47 99 24 52 35

 

***
Petroleum Geo-Services ASA and its subsidiaries ("PGS" or "the Company") is a focused marine geophysical company that provides a broad range of seismic and reservoir services, including acquisition, imaging, interpretation, and field evaluation. The Company MultiClient data library is among the largest in the seismic industry, with modern 3D coverage in all significant offshore hydrocarbon provinces of the world. The Company operates on a worldwide basis with headquarters in Oslo, Norway and the PGS share is listed on the Oslo stock exchange (OSE: PGS). For more information on PGS visit www.pgs.com.

***
 The information included herein contains certain forward-looking statements that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on various assumptions made by the Company, which are beyond its control and are subject to certain additional risks and uncertainties. The Company is subject to a large number of risk factors including but not limited to the demand for seismic services, the demand for data from our multi-client data library, the attractiveness of our technology, unpredictable changes in governmental regulations affecting our markets and extreme weather conditions. For a further description of other relevant risk factors we refer to our Annual Report for 2017. As a result of these and other risk factors, actual events and our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The reservation is also made that inaccuracies or mistakes may occur in the information given above about current status of the Company or its business. Any reliance on the information above is at the risk of the reader, and PGS disclaims any and all liability in this respect.This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Reported by GlobeNewswire 1 day ago.

PGS: Update on Seismic Acquisition Contract in South America

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*January 7, 2019*: Oslo, Norway, PGS updates on changes of the contract for the 3D survey in South America announced November 14, 2018.

The vessels Ramform Atlas and Ramform Tethys mobilized early December 2018 for this survey.  The contract had an estimated total duration of approximately 13 vessel months and an estimated value in excess of $75 million.

Due to unresolved issues affecting the survey, both vessels have been on paid standby from December 23, 2018.

The client, ExxonMobil, has notified PGS that the Ramform Atlas is no longer required. PGS will receive payment for mobilization, work performed, standby and demobilization. PGS expects to deploy the vessel on a MultiClient program or contract survey shortly, but will incur idle time relating to steaming and possibly standby before commencing an alternative project.

ExxonMobil plans to deploy the Ramform Tethys to acquire a 4D survey offshore Guyana. The vessel will continue on paid standby until she commences the redefined program. PGS expects the vessel to be operating in the area for at least three months.

*For details, contact:*
Bård Stenberg, SVP IR & Communication
Mobile: +47 992 45 235

***

Petroleum Geo-Services ASA and its subsidiaries ("PGS" or "the Company") is a focused marine geophysical company that provides a broad range of seismic and reservoir services, including acquisition, imaging, interpretation, and field evaluation. The Company MultiClient data library is among the largest in the seismic industry, with modern 3D coverage in all significant offshore hydrocarbon provinces of the world. The Company operates on a worldwide basis with headquarters in Oslo, Norway and the PGS share is listed on the Oslo stock exchange (OSE: PGS). For more information on PGS visit www.pgs.com.

***
The information included herein contains certain forward-looking statements that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on various assumptions made by the Company, which are beyond its control and are subject to certain additional risks and uncertainties. The Company is subject to a large number of risk factors including but not limited to the demand for seismic services, the demand for data from our multi-client data library, the attractiveness of our technology, unpredictable changes in governmental regulations affecting our markets and extreme weather conditions. For a further description of other relevant risk factors we refer to our Annual Report for 2017. As a result of these and other risk factors, actual events and our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The reservation is also made that inaccuracies or mistakes may occur in the information given above about current status of the Company or its business. Any reliance on the information above is at the risk of the reader, and PGS disclaims any and all liability in this respect.This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Reported by GlobeNewswire 1 day ago.

SeaBird Exploration: 2D survey in Americas region

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7 January 2019, Limassol, Cyprus

SeaBird Exploration is pleased to announce that the company has received notification of award to acquire 2D seismic data for an international oil & gas company in the Americas region. The survey is due to commence during Q2 2019 and is estimated to run for approximately two months. The company will be using the Harrier Explorer for the work.

SeaBird is a global provider of marine acquisition for 2D/3D and 4D seismic data, and associated products and services to the oil and gas industry. SeaBird specializes in high quality operations within the high end of the source vessel and 2D market, as well as in the shallow/deep water 2D/3D and 4D market. Main focus for the company is proprietary seismic surveys (contract seismic). Main success criteria for the company are an unrelenting focus on Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE), combined with efficient collection of high quality seismic data. All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include SeaBird`s reliance on a cyclical industry and the utilization of the company's vessels. Actual results may differ substantially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements.
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. 

For further queries contact:

Hans Petter Klohs
CEO SeaBird Exploration
Phone: +47 22402718

or

Nils Haugestad
CFO SeaBird Exploration
Phone: +47 22402717 Reported by GlobeNewswire 23 hours ago.

Thermal Spray Materials Market to Reach $2,869.2 Million by 2024: P&S Intelligence

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*Thermal Spray Materials Market by Type (Powder [Metal-Based {Pure Metal & Alloy, MCrAlY Alloy, Precious Metal}, Ceramic-Based {Ceramic Oxide, Cermets, Carbides}, Polymer & Other Material-Based], Wire/Rod), by End-Use Industry (Automotive, Aerospace, Industrial Gas Turbines, Energy & Power, Electronics, Oil & Gas, Medical Devices), by Geography (U.S., Canada, Germany, France, U.K., Italy, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, South Africa) – Global Market Size, Share, Development, Growth, and Demand Forecast, 2014–2024*NEW YORK, Jan. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the market research report published by P&S Intelligence, thermal spray materials market is projected to reach $2,869.2 million by 2024. The market growth is driven by the increasing requirement of thermal sprays for coating components, which are vulnerable to corrosion, erosion, and extremely high temperature and pressure conditions.

*Request to get the sample pages of the report: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/thermal-spray-materials-market/report-sample*

Based on type, the thermal spray materials market is characterized into powder and wire/rod. Wire/rod category is estimated to account for larger share in 2018. High demand for wire/rod is driven by the fact that by using wire/rod, only the molten droplets are propelled toward the substrate, thereby minimizing wastages. Another advantage of this category is that the flame coming out of nozzle of spraying machine is concentric with the wire/rod, which ensures uniform heating for proper spraying of material.

Based on end-use industry, the thermal spray materials market is categorized into automotive, aerospace, industrial gas turbines, energy and power, electronics, oil and gas, medical devices, and others. The others category includes adoption of thermal sprays in equipment and devices that are engaged in textile manufacturing, rubber manufacturing, food processing, mining, and industrial manufacturing industries. Globally, aerospace is estimated to account for the largest share in the market, contributing more than 35.0% share in 2018.

*Browse report overview with 109 tables and 62 figures spread through 167 pages and detailed TOC on "Thermal Spray Materials Market” at: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/thermal-spray-materials-market*

Aerospace and aviation components often get exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat and pressure. Thermal spray materials, thus, help in protecting these components from high wear and heat. Moreover, application of thermal spray powder over these components results in reduced maintenance cost, enhanced performance, and higher fuel efficiency. Thus, it can be inferred that growing production of aircraft is expected to boost the thermal spray materials market in the near future.

North America is estimated to account for the largest share in the market in 2018, with more than 35.0% revenue share. The thermal spray materials market in North America is majorly driven by the presence of large civil and military aircraft manufacturers in the region, such as The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Bombardier Inc., which continue to generate high demand for thermal spray coatings to protect automotive components from wear and corrosion.

*Make enquiry before buying the report: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/send-enquiry?enquiry-url=thermal-spray-materials-market*

Majority of companies engaged in the thermal spray materials market are forward-integrated to provide coating solutions in the form of technologies, equipment, and services. Besides, these players have differentiated clients and customers in the aerospace, automotive, medical, oil and gas, and marine industries.

The global thermal spray materials market is majorly dominated by multinational corporations including OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, Praxair S.T. Technology Inc., H.C. Starck GmbH, Kennametal Inc., and Höganäs AB.

Carpenter Technology Corporation, AlSher APM, AMETEK Inc., C&M Technologies GmbH, Bay State Surface Technologies Inc. (Aimtek Inc.) Powder Alloy Corporation, Sandvik AB, and Saint-Gobain A.G. are other key players accounting for a significant share in the thermal spray materials market.

*More Reports by P&S Intelligence*

*Surgical Glue Market*

The surgical glue market is expected to witness the highest growth in APAC, with a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period, attributed to growing geriatric population, rising incidence of road accidents and burns cases, and increasing per capita income in the region. Also, the region is estimated to hold a share of more than 20.0% in the market by 2023, to become the second largest regional surgical glue market after North America.

*https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/surgical-glue-market*

*Can Coatings Market*

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing can coatings market during the forecast period, with a CAGR of 4.4% in terms of value. Various countries of the region, such as China, India, and South Korea, are expected to witness strong economic growth in the near future, owing to huge government spending on food safety, health, hygiene, and industrial developments.

*https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/can-coatings-market*

*About P&S Intelligence*

P&S Intelligence, a brand of P&S Market Research, is a provider of market research and consulting services catering to the market information needs of burgeoning industries across the world. Providing the plinth of market intelligence, P&S as an enterprising research and consulting company, believes in providing thorough landscape analyses on the ever-changing market scenario, to empower companies to make informed decisions and base their business strategies with astuteness.

*Contact:*

P&S Intelligence

Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)

International: +1-347-960-6455

Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.com

Web: https://www.psmarketresearch.com

*Connect with us: *LinkedIn* | *Twitter* | *Google +* | *Facebook  Reported by GlobeNewswire 23 hours ago.

Australia: Murky waters: proposed amendments to Basel Convention on transboundary movements of hazardous waste - Corrs Chambers Westgarth

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These amendments proposed by Norway are intended to minimise marine pollution and the illegal dumping of plastic waste. Reported by Mondaq 22 hours ago.

Boskalis appointed preferred contractor for Inch Cape offshore wind farm project

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Papendrecht, 7 January 2019

*Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis) has signed an exclusive Pre-Construction Agreement (PCA) for the Inch Cape offshore wind farm project. The award was made by Inch Cape Offshore Limited (ICOL), a subsidiary of Red Rock Power Ltd. The project scope includes the transportation and installation of the wind turbine foundations, the offshore substation and cables. *

The award of the contract is subject to a successful bid by ICOL in the next UK Contracts for Difference auction (mid 2019) and financial close (second half of 2020). The contract size, excluding procurement, is expected to exceed EUR 200 million. Boskalis will in the coming months assist with the further engineering and design of the project. The ultimate size of the contract including the cost associated with the supply of the wind turbine foundations and inter-array cables will be determined during this period.

The PCA includes the engineering, supply, transportation and installation of up to 72 pre-piled jacket foundations and up to 84 inter-array cables in addition to the transportation and installation of the offshore substation. The Bokalift 1 crane vessel will be deployed for the transportation and installation of the foundations as well as the offshore substation foundation, sub-structure and topside. Furthermore, Boskalis will in consortium with NKT supply and install two export cables of 85 kilometer each, connecting the offshore substation to the mainland. The Inch Cape offshore wind farm will be located in the North Sea, 15km off the Angus Coast in the East of Scotland. Boskalis aims to maximize UK local content for its scope of work. The project is scheduled to be executed in the period 2021-2022, in time to enable Inch Cape to meet the CfD 3 delivery windows between 2023 to 2025.

Boskalis' strategy is aimed at benefitting from key macro-economic factors which drive worldwide demand in our markets: expansion of the global economy, increase in energy consumption, global population growth and the challenges that go hand in hand with climate change. This project is related to the development of generating renewable energy due to climate change and increasing energy consumption.

Investor relations:
*Martijn L.D. Schuttevâer*
ir@boskalis.com

Press:
*Arno Schikker*
press@boskalis.com

T +31 78 6969310

*Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. is a leading global services provider operating in the dredging, maritime infrastructure and maritime services sectors. The company provides creative and innovative all-round solutions to infrastructural challenges in the maritime, coastal and delta regions of the world with services including the construction and maintenance of ports and waterways, land reclamation, coastal defense and riverbank protection. In addition, Boskalis offers a wide variety of marine services and contracting for the oil and gas sector and offshore wind industry as well as salvage solutions. Furthermore, Boskalis has a number of strategic partnerships in harbor towage and terminal services (Kotug Smit Towage, Keppel Smit Towage, Saam Smit Towage and Smit Lamnalco). With a versatile fleet of more than 900 vessels and floating equipment and 10,700 employees, including associated companies, Boskalis operates in 90 countries across six continents.*

This press release can also be found on our website www.boskalis.com.

*Attachments*

· PDF version of this press release.pdf
· Image.jpg Reported by GlobeNewswire 21 hours ago.

Kraken Completes Majority Acquisition of Kraken Power GmbH

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*Kraken Power Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification*

ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland, Jan. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX-V: PNG) (OTCQB: KRKNF) (“Kraken” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce, that it has completed the majority acquisition of Kraken Power GmbH. Through the conversion of an existing note receivable to equity and a cash payment of approximately €0.1 million, Kraken has increased its ownership in Kraken Power GmbH to 75%. Based in Rostock, Germany, Kraken Power GmbH currently employs a 20-person team comprised of highly skilled engineers, technicians and administration staff. During Q4 2018, Kraken Power increased manufacturing capacity through the expansion of a new facility and addition of larger production equipment. In 2019, it is anticipated that additional staff and equipment will be added to meet the demand for existing and future contracts.

Karl Kenny, Kraken's President & CEO said, "We are pleased to welcome Kraken Power GmbH into the Kraken family as a majority owned subsidiary. Their team of skilled professionals and proprietary pressure tolerant technology for subsea equipment offer significant growth opportunities. In addition, we are proud to announce that Kraken Power recently obtained its ISO 9001:2015 certification.”

In order to meet the ISO 9001:2015 standard, a company must demonstrate adherence to a Quality Management System that outlines good business practices and ensures consistency in providing products and services that meet customer and applicable industry requirements.* *

“Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification demonstrates our commitment to maintaining our position as a world-class provider of deep-sea pressure tolerant encapsulation technology, products and services. The advanced procedures associated with this certification will allow us to operate more efficiently, reach new markets and identify and address upcoming risks,” said Dr. Carl Thiede, founder and Chief Technology Officer of Kraken Power GmbH.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the largest standards organization in the world, with a network of standards institutes from 162 countries. The ISO 9001 is a set of procedures covering all key processes within a business and ensures that these processes are efficient, effective and are monitored consistently, allowing the company to continuously improve on its processes.* *

*ABOUT KRAKEN ROBOTICS INC.*
Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX.V:PNG) (OTCQB: KRKNF) is a marine technology company that is dedicated to the production and sale of software-centric sensors and underwater robotic systems. The company is headquartered in St. John’s, Newfoundland with offices in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; Toronto, Ontario; Bremen and Rostock, Germany; and Boston, Massachusetts. Kraken is ranked as a Top 100 marine technology company by Marine Technology Reporter. For more information, please visit www.krakenrobotics.com, www.krakenrobotik.de, www.krakenpower.de. Find us on social media on Twitter (@krakenrobotics), Facebook (@krakenroboticsinc) and LinkedIn.

Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, the words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "seek", "propose", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things, business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events based on certain material factors and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, changes in market, competition, governmental or regulatory developments, general economic conditions and other factors set out in the Company's public disclosure documents. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those described in this news release, including without limitation those listed above. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this news release and such forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in this news release, should not be unduly relied upon. Such statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provide (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release, and the OTCQB has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

For further information, please contact:

Greg Reid, Chief Financial Officer
(416) 818-9822
greid@krakenrobotics.com 

Sean Peasgood, Investor Relations
(647) 955-1274
sean@sophiccapital.com 

Glenda Leyte, Marketing Manager
(709) 757-5757 extension 288
gleyte@krakenrobotics.com 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/889d750b-0de5-4791-9be9-8f2e437a684e Reported by GlobeNewswire 19 hours ago.

Norwegian Marine Engineer Publishes New Crime Thriller Centering on Yukon

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Steinar Kruse’s debut novel set in North America

BJORBEKK, Norway (PRWEB) January 07, 2019

A marine engineer by trade, Steinar Kruse developed a great love for reading while at sea. He was so inspired by his sense of imagination and adventure that he wrote and published his first book, “Ashes to Strength: Criminals Never Forget,” a crime novel centering on a Norwegian man whose life becomes intertwined with the Yukon Territories as he faces a great tragedy that leaves him with many questions unanswered.

Nils Henrik Ellefsrud learns that his cabin in Alberta has exploded and burned down, two people are missing, and the only survivor is his daughter, TJ. With no idea what has happened to his wife and TJ’s nine-year-old twin brother, Nils is led down a dark journey to what he hopes is the truth.

“Over the years, I thought about writing a book,” said Kruse. “Going from an avid reader to a published author has truly been a dream come true.”

“Kruse is a true man of the world and has been to the places he writes about with insight,” said Lou Waters, former anchor and correspondent for CNN.

In the tradition of other Scandinavian crime authors, Kruse presents a mystery about a Norwegian man desperate to discover the truth of what happened to his wife and son, leading him to recollect on the travels of his youth to New York and the Yukon.

“Ashes to Strength: Criminals Never Forget”
By Steinar Kruse
ISBN: 9781546294993 (softcover); 9781546295006 (hardcover); 9781546294986 (eBook)
Available at the AuthorHouse Online Bookstore, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author
Steinar Kruse has been a Chief Engineer in the merchant marine industry on some of the world’s largest cruise ships for over 40 years, including the Norwegian Cruise Line. He has a master’s in engineering and is a veteran of the Norwegian Army. It was during his voyages on the ocean that Kruse developed a love for reading to further channel his adventurous mind. To learn more, please visit http://www.ashestostrength.com.

###

General Inquiries:            
LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        
Bryan Beach
480-306-6554
bbeach(at)lavidge(dot)com

Review Copies & Interview Requests:                    
LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        
Kiersten Woglom                        
480-998-2600 x 586                    
kwoglom(at)lavidge(dot)com Reported by PRWeb 18 hours ago.

Incredible 'sea monster' skull revealed in 3D

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Incredible 'sea monster' skull revealed in 3D Face-to-face with the marine reptile that swam the ancient seas 200 million years ago. Reported by BBC News 17 hours ago.

The Fredericksburg Boat Show Drops Anchor January 18-20 at the Fredericksburg Expo Center

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The 2019 Boating Season begins January 18-20 at the Fredericksburg Boat Show with the latest boats and personal watercraft on display.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (PRWEB) January 07, 2019

Fredericksburgs biggest boating event with hundreds of boats to board and buy at the best prices of the year is coming to the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, January 18-19-20. The Fredericksburg Boat Show - offers everything from cruisers and pontoons to watersport boats and marine and outdoor accessories galore all from the areas largest dealers. Besides great pricing, the biggest incentive to attend is that all these boats from 17 dealers are all under one roof to compare.

Whether it’s fishing, sailing, cruising, riding personal watercraft, wake surfing or tubing — the Fredericksburg Boat Show provides a unique shopping experience for your budget and lifestyle. Take advantage of the special pricing, incentives and perks that will be offered only at the Fredericksburg Boat Show. Dealers will be able to offer Incredible One time only Deals you cannot find at their showroom because of Manufacturer incentives.

For those ready to plan their summer fun, the Fredericksburg Boat Show is the place to start. Boating provides great experiences from excursions on the water with family to fishing to entertaining with friends. Nothing erases the thoughts of the wet and cold winter weather like the Fredericksburg Boat Show, January 18, 19, 20 at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center.

Tickets are good all weekend and Kids under 12 are always Free. Friday, January 18th, is $5 Senior Ticket Day, available at the door with no coupon necessary. For more info or to order discounted tickets online, visit FredericksburgBoatShow.com or visit the show site on Facebook. Reported by PRWeb 17 hours ago.

Ex-marine Baz Gray completes solo trek to South Pole

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BBC Local News: Devon -- The former Royal Marine completed the 745-mile expedition in 39 days. Reported by BBC Local News 15 hours ago.

VxFly launches LESWIM, a swimming kickboard with propeller, at CES 2019

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VxFly launches LESWIM, a swimming kickboard with propeller, at CES 2019 LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- At CES 2019, Shenzhen VxFly launched LESWIM, an electric kickboard that can provide both buoyancy and propulsion. This new comer to the swimming gear family will bring a totally new swimming experience. LESWIM helps swimmers of all skill levels to glide through the water.Let's swim with LESWIM electric kickboard

Henry He, co-founder and CEO of VxFly, says: "We want to change the way people learn to swim, help them overcome their fear of water, inspire their interest and build their confidence. And we want everybody to enjoy it, so we designed LESWIM to be affordable and easy to use."

Designed for children and adults, LESWIM is both easy to carry and easy to use. Users just need to hold the two ergonomic buttons simultaneously to start it, and release them to stop. Weighing only 2.6kg, LESWIM can easily fit into a backpack. With a mild force propeller, LESWIM provides 4kgf and moves at a speed of 1m/s. At this comfortable speed, both the user and their surroundings are safe from harm.

Different from the monotonous look of traditional kickboards, LESWIM looks more fashionable. There's several panel patterns to choose from--simple strap, lovely cartoon, modern art, etc. Featuring magnetic attractors, the specially formulated plastic panel can be easily replaced.

The battery of LESWIM is rechargeable and easy to swap. Moreover, the battery is sealed in a waterproof housing to ensure the electrodes are well protected from water.

To protect children, two engine grilles are installed in the front and at the back of a deeply indented propeller. The propeller generates noise lower than 50 dB, so as to not cause any disturbances during use.

There's also a GoPro mount, allowing users to capture memorable underwater moments to share with their friends and family.

The price of LESWIM is also quite attractive and competitive. The retail price is set at USD 199.9, which is much cheaper than similar products on the market. For those who want fast speed, VxFly will also soon launch a Sport version with dual propellers and more powerful propulsion.

Features:

· Intuitive control
· Both buoyancy and propulsion
· Easy to swap rechargeable battery
· Safe & Portable
· GoPro mount

Price: 199.9 USD

For additional information, please visit www.VxFly.com or contact marketing@vxfly.com.

About us

Shenzhen VxFly Intelligent Information Technology Co., Ltd is a global innovation leader focusing on marine science and technology, and has launched consumer, professional and enterprise level underwater robots. VxFly has received more than 41 patents and 29 trademarks, and has over 100 business partners in 40+ countries.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vxfly-launches-leswim-a-swimming-kickboard-with-propeller-at-ces-2019-300773714.html

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http://www.VxFly.com Reported by PR Newswire Asia 15 hours ago.

Larson Electronics Releases 80W 12” Explosion Proof Exhaust Fan, CID1&2, 120V AC, 850 CFM

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KEMP, Texas, Jan. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Larson Electronics, a Texas-based company with over 40 years of experience spearheading the industrial lighting and industrial equipment sectors, announced the release of an 80-watt explosion proof 12-inch exhaust fan recommended for use in hazardous locations and with toxic gas sensors (not included). This 850 CFM unit is weather resistant and wall mounted featuring internal motorized and external fixed louvers.The EPF-LPSM-B-12-0.15HP 80-watt explosion proof exhaust fan operates on 120V AC, 48V DC or 24V DC and features motorized louvers that lock in open or closed positions, and fixed external rain louvers to protect the unit from internal water damage. This unit provides 850 CFM and operators have the ability to monitor in real time the status of the fan via LED status lights. This unit is ideal for ventilating confined spaces and suitable for use in paint spray booths, refineries, chemical manufacturing plants, gas processing plants, and more.

Larson Electronics’ durable explosion proof exhaust fan is weather resistant and rated for Class I, Divisions 1 and 2 hazardous locations. This fan requires red/black/white for AC wiring connections or red/white/white/black for DC wiring connections. This unit is for wall mounting and fits in a 12.25” x 12.25” opening with 1.5” to 8” thickness during installation.

*About Larson Electronics LLC: *Larson Electronics LLC is a manufacturer of industrial lighting equipment and accessories. The company offers an extensive catalog of industry-grade lighting and power distribution products for the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, food processing, oil and gas, military, marine and automobile. Customers can benefit from the company’s hands-on, customized approach to lighting solutions. Larson Electronics provides expedited service for quotes, customer support and shipments.

*For further information, please contact:
*Rob Bresnahan, President and CEO
Toll-free: 1-888-351-2363
Int’l: 214-616-6180
Fax: 903-498-3364
E-mail: sales@larsonelectronics.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/174b3e87-96a0-4000-81c8-5ba97ac0a45f Reported by GlobeNewswire 16 hours ago.

Plight of the whale shark: Largest fish on the planet is under threat from extinction

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Plight of the whale shark: Largest fish on the planet is under threat from extinction Experts from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) say that marine debris on beaches on St Helena has increased more than 'ten fold' in the past decade with hundreds of items found every ten feet. Reported by MailOnline 13 hours ago.

A Cocktail Writer’s Life: The Pentagon by Day, a Barstool by Night

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Philip Greene, a drinks historian and Marine official, stylishly straddles two different worlds in Washington. Reported by NYTimes.com 6 hours ago.

Ship traffic, January 8

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Ship traffic Due to arrive today SHIP FROM PORT Atlantic Horizon Kinuura, Japan SCK Bay Bridge Long Beach OAK Crystal Serenity Santa Barbara SFO Mahimahi Honolulu OAK Theseus Los Angeles OAK Due to depart today SHIP TO PORT Cap Jackson Long Beach OAK Columbia Highway Toyohashi, Japan SFO Hannover Bridge Tokyo SFO Maersk Edirne Vostochnyy, Russia SFO Mahimahi Los Angeles OAK President FD Roosevelt Yokohama, Japan OAK Sage Danube Long Beach SFO Wladyslaw Orkan Port Unknow SFO YM Unison Qingdao, China OAK Source: S.F. Marine Exchange Reported by SFGate 12 hours ago.

The US Air Force refuels combat jets in midair with a 'flying boom system' — watch it in action

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The US Air Force refuels combat jets in midair with a 'flying boom system' — watch it in action· *The US Air Force uses a process called aerial refueling to transfer fuel midair from one aircraft  — the tanker — to another aircraft — the receiver. *
· *It is an inherently dangerous maneuver to get two airplanes that close to one another and s**ome of the refueling logistics depend on the type of aircraft.*
· *Watch the video above to see how it's done. *

*Narrator:*  Fighter jets can perform what seem like impossible maneuvers, high above the clouds. But one of the most amazing moves is how it can refuel in midair.

Aerial refueling is the process of transferring fuel from one aircraft, the tanker, to another aircraft, the receiver. It allows the Air Force to conserve fuel by not forcing fighters to seek out and land on a runway in the middle of a mission. It's not that easy. If you think threading a needle is hard, imagine doing it while piloting a $150 million fighter jet.

*Mike Vilven:* This is all in the name of safety, obviously, because it's an inherently dangerous activity when you get two airplanes that close to each other.

*Narrator:* That's Major Mike Vilven. He evaluates pilots who have trained on the KC-135 Stratotanker.

*Vilven:* Before we even take off, there is anywhere from two to four hours of mission planning and preparation that go into what we're actually going to do.

*Emily Kubusek:* It is paramount that our pilots are safe, and they are challenges, and they know exactly the procedures that they're doing before they actually execute. 

*Narrator: * And Major Emily Kubusek is a KC-135 instructor training the next generation of pilots. Some of the refueling logistics depend on what kind of aircraft are being flown. The US Air Force uses a flying boom system, where a long, thin tube extends from the tanker into a receptacle on the receiving aircraft.

To begin, the pilots consider what they call altitude block, which are like little roads in the sky, permanently laid out at different altitudes all over the US The pilots agree on a starting point, an end point, and a meetup time.

The tanker generally arrives about 15 minutes before the receiver, who will arrive about 1,000 feet lower than the tanker. But they'll close that distance pretty quickly.

*Vilven:* And they're flying what we call a racetrack pattern, where they're just flying in a circle, waiting for the receiver to show up. Both the tanker and the receiver will continue down the track. They're a mile behind the tanker, a thousand feet below, and then they usually start to close in. They decrease that altitude separation until they get to the astern position, which is about 50 feet behind the aircraft, at which point the boom operator, they are directing the receiver at that point to close in for the contact.

*Kubusek:* That's when the boom operator will take over and will tell them come in, go out, go faster, go slower, up or down, until they're in the sweet spot, and then that boom operator can make the contact with that boom.

*Narrator:* The boom is what will run the fuel from the tanker to the receiver. Jets like the F-22 and F-35 have boom receptacles for receiving the fuel from the boom.

*Kubusek:* Generally, while the boom operator is in the back doing all of the hard work, the pilots are up front. One person is actively flying or actively monitoring the autopilot, and then the second pilot is usually off-loading the gas when everything aligns correctly.

*Narrator:* The boom operator has full control over the boom, and can extend and retract it as needed. The operator can disconnect the boom when fueling is complete, but if the receiving plane moves off track, the system triggers an automatic disconnect.

This is very helpful, because inclement weather, turbulence, unexpected turns, and air traffic can all make it difficult to stay connected.

Sometimes the planes will have to separate and rejoin in the middle of the process. Once the refueling is finished, the receiving plane drops 1,000 feet, then coordinates with the tanker for departure from the formation.

The planes can then continue on their respective missions. A slightly easier aerial refueling method is the drogue probe, used on almost all of the Navy and Marine fighter jets. A drogue fire hose with a parachute on the end comes out of the tanker, while the receiver extends a thin probe into the parachute, like a bullseye.

No matter the method, aerial refueling is a complicated and dangerous maneuver that requires a team of highly trained experts to trust and rely on one another to execute it properly.

Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 10 hours ago.

Ashland details strong progress on value creation plan in letter to shareholders

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Announces filing of definitive proxy materials 
Announces addition of Craig A. Rogerson to slate of nominees 
Strongly recommends shareholders vote Ashland’s BLUE proxy card

COVINGTON, Kentucky, Jan. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ASH) announced that it has filed definitive proxy materials, including its definitive proxy statement and blue proxy card, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with Ashland’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, scheduled for February 8, 2019 (“2019 Annual Meeting”). Ashland shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 10, 2019 will be entitled to vote at the 2019 Annual Meeting.

Ashland also announced that the board has unanimously determined to add Craig Rogerson to its slate of nominees for election at the 2019 Annual Meeting. Mr. Rogerson has served as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Hexion Inc. since 2017. Prior to that, he served as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Chemtura Corporation from 2008 to 2017. He also previously served in a number of roles at Hercules Incorporated, including president, chief executive officer and director from 2003 until its acquisition by Ashland in 2008. The Hercules business comprises a meaningful portion of Ashland’s business today. Mr. Rogerson’s addition to the board’s slate of nominees was made following extensive discussions with several major shareholders.

“We are pleased to add Craig as an independent director to the board’s slate of nominees for the 2019 Annual Meeting," said Bill Wulfsohn, Ashland chairman and chief executive officer. “Craig brings to Ashland significant leadership and chemical industry experience, having served as CEO and a director at a number of public companies, including currently serving as CEO and chairman of Hexion. Craig’s addition follows engagement with several major Ashland shareholders to find a candidate that brings a unique skillset to the board as we continue to execute on our strategy, and his nomination is consistent with Ashland’s history of taking shareholder feedback seriously.”

Ashland strongly recommends that you vote to support the Ashland directors by voting the *BLUE* proxy card today *FOR* all 11 of Ashland’s qualified and experienced director nominees: Brendan M. Cummins, William G. Dempsey, Jay V. Ihlenfeld, Susan L. Main, Jerome A. Peribere, Craig A. Rogerson, Mark C. Rohr, Janice J. Teal, Michael J. Ward, Kathleen Wilson-Thompson and William A. Wulfsohn.

In conjunction with the definitive proxy filing, which took place on January 2, 2019, Ashland mailed a letter to shareholders detailing the significant progress the company is making and the enhanced value it is delivering to shareholders, both of which are being overseen by a highly qualified and experienced board of directors.

Ashland’s definitive proxy materials and letter to shareholders regarding the board’s recommendation for the 2019 Annual Meeting can be found at www.AshlandValue.com.

The full text of the letter follows:

Dear Fellow Shareholder:

Thank you for your investment in our company. Ashland is making great progress as we transform into a leaner, more cost-competitive and growth-oriented specialty chemicals company. Our decisive actions are improving our competitive position and creating significant value for our shareholders.

Following completion of our Valvoline separation in May 2017, we developed a new plan with strategic objectives designed to accelerate results. These objectives include investing in innovation, delivering significant cost savings, and redesigning the organization to better align resources to provide rapid solutions for our customers’ problems. *Our fiscal 2018 financial results demonstrate that this plan and the actions we are taking are working.* Looking ahead, we are confident that we will continue delivering stronger growth and enhanced shareholder value.

Despite this progress, a shareholder, Cruiser Capital Master Fund LP (“Cruiser”), a small hedge fund, has provided notice of its intent to nominate a slate of four nominees for election as directors at the company’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“2019 Annual Meeting”) in opposition to your board of directors’ recommended nominees. Ashland’s Governance and Nominating Committee reviewed Cruiser’s four nominees, and with the unanimous support of the board after consulting with Russell Reynolds Associates, a leading search firm, determined not to recommend these individuals for nomination to the board. Ashland has a track record of adding individuals recommended by shareholders when those individuals are additive to the skills and expertise of the existing board members. This includes nominating three directors recommended by shareholders in the last five years, including one this year and one last year. However, the Ashland board determined that none of Cruiser’s four nominees met that requirement and did *NOT* endorse any of the Cruiser nominees. Ashland urges you to discard and not return any White proxy card you may receive from Cruiser.

The Ashland board is a powerful advocate for investors and has a proven track record of delivering superior value. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you elect the Ashland directors by voting the *BLUE *proxy card today *FOR* ALL 11 of Ashland’s qualified and experienced director nominees: Brendan M. Cummins, William G. Dempsey, Jay V. Ihlenfeld, Susan L. Main, Jerome A. Peribere, Craig A. Rogerson, Mark C. Rohr, Janice J. Teal, Michael J. Ward, Kathleen Wilson-Thompson and William A. Wulfsohn.

*FISCAL 2018: A YEAR OF PROGRESS DEMONSTRATING ASHLAND’S ABILITY TO DELIVER ON ITS COMMITMENTS TO INVESTORS*

*Fiscal 2018 was a year of great progress on Ashland’s value creation plan.*  We are not only delivering – but far exceeding – the financial commitments we outlined at our Investor Day in May 2017. In fact, our goal was to grow Adjusted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) at a level greater than *15%* per year. In fiscal year 2018, we grew Diluted EPS from continuing operations by 198% and Adjusted Diluted EPS by *47%.*^1

Other highlights of our fiscal 2018 results include:

· *Net income was $114 million* compared to *$28 million* in fiscal 2017;
· *Adjusted EBITDA*^2* increased by 20%,* to $683 million, compared to $570 million in 2017; and
· *Sales rose 15%,* to $3.74 billion, with *double-digit sales growth in all three reportable segments* (Specialty Ingredients, Composites, and Intermediates and Solvents).

As part of our EBITDA margin acceleration program, Ashland expects to report that it has achieved its target of $120 million in total run-rate savings by end of calendar 2019.

*Importantly, the market recognized our progress to deliver enhanced shareholder value—during fiscal 2018 our stock price increased 28%.*

We expect continued progress in fiscal 2019 and beyond as we realize the benefits from the EBITDA margin acceleration program and become a pure-play specialty chemicals company.

*ASHLAND’S STRATEGY IS DELIVERING SUPERIOR RETURNS *

The results of our efforts are reflected in Ashland’s shareholder returns. *Our returns have outpaced the S&P Mid-Cap 400 and our proxy peers*^3* in recent years.*^4

Ashland Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) vs S&P Mid-Cap 400

· Since completion of Valvoline separation on May 12, 2017, TSR is 21% compared to (2)%
· 1-year TSR is 0% compared to (12)%
· 3-year TSR is 44% compared to 22%
· 5-year TSR is 59% compared to 33%

Ashland TSR vs proxy peers

· Since completion of Valvoline separation on May 12, 2017, TSR is 21% compared to proxy peer mean of (7)%.
· 1-year TSR is 0% compared to proxy peer mean of (22)%
· 3-year TSR is 44% compared to proxy peer mean of 23%
· 5-year TSR is 59% compared to proxy peer mean of 17%

*ASHLAND IS PROACTIVELY OPTIMIZING ITS PORTFOLIO TO DRIVE SHAREHOLDER VALUE*

*The board and management team have been positioning Ashland for profitable growth as a pure-play specialty chemicals company by divesting non-core businesses in order to create a more streamlined portfolio* and by acquiring businesses that align with this strategy.

*Since 2006, Ashland has divested (or announced definitive agreements to divest) more than $10 billion^5 in non-core businesses, enabling us to reduce debt and reinvest in the growth of our core business. *This includes the separation of Valvoline and successful divestitures of Ashland Water Technologies, APAC, Ashland Distribution, Drew Marine, and Elastomers. In addition, we recently announced the sale of our Composites segment, as well as our BDO manufacturing facility in Marl, Germany for $1.1 billion, a catalyst to creating a leaner, more competitive Ashland.

*Ashland has also acquired businesses with attractive margins and growth opportunities, including Pharmachem, International Specialty Products (ISP), Hercules and Air Products Adhesives.* Together, these acquisitions provide Ashland access to higher-margin and higher-growth end markets while strengthening the company’s product line and growing sales.

*ASHLAND’S BOARD HAS THE SKILLS AND EXPERTISE NEEDED TO DRIVE CONTINUED GROWTH*

*Your board’s director nominees are composed of 11 highly qualified individuals, 10 of whom are independent, and all of whom bring experience in areas that are relevant and important to the company's business and continued success.*

Valuable Experience in Areas Critical to Ashland’s Business Chart

*The Ashland board is actively engaged in overseeing the company’s transformation* and will continue to work closely with management to drive value for shareholders.

*ASHLAND’S BOARD IS COMMITTED TO REGULAR, ONGOING REFRESHMENT*

The Ashland board regularly takes steps to refresh and strengthen its composition. On December 13, 2018, the board announced that, consistent with Ashland’s director retirement policy, Barry Perry, Ashland’s lead independent director, will retire from Ashland’s board effective at the 2019 Annual Meeting. The board announced that it has added Craig Rogerson to the board’s slate of nominees for election at the 2019 Annual Meeting. The addition of Mr. Rogerson followed extensive dialogue with several major shareholders following requests for input on the new director. The board’s actions are consistent with Ashland’s history of taking shareholder feedback seriously.

Illustrating the company’s history of regular, ongoing refreshment, the company noted that following the Annual Meeting, if elected:

· *Six directors of 11 will have joined the board within the past three years*
· *Five directors of 11 will have joined the board since the beginning of 2017*

Ashland’s average board tenure of *six years is below the average tenure of the S&P 500 of* *eight years and the S&P Midcap 400 tenure of nine years.^9*

*ASHLAND HAS A TRACK RECORD OF RESPONSIVENESS TO SHAREHOLDERS*

Ashland has regular and extensive communications with its shareholders, including with respect to board composition and governance matters. We appreciate the perspectives we receive from our shareholders during these conversations, including in recent conversations with several major shareholders regarding the addition of Mr. Rogerson to the board’s slate of nominees. We thoroughly evaluate and seriously consider implementing any suggestions from our shareholders that we believe will drive enhanced value for our company and our shareholders.

In addition to Mr. Rogerson, just last year Ashland nominated Jerome Peribere, who was recommended by Cruiser, to the board, and we are nominating Mr. Peribere for re-election this year, illustrating Ashland’s track record of taking our shareholders’ views seriously. *Mr. Rogerson is now the third director recommended by shareholders that Ashland has nominated over the past five years.*

*CRUISER’S NOMINEES DO NOT HAVE ADDITIVE SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE*

Ashland is always receptive to input from shareholders that may enhance shareholder value, including with respect to Cruiser’s recommendation of Mr. Peribere and his subsequent appointment to our board last year.

Contrary to Cruiser’s highly misleading claim,* the Ashland board oversaw a robust process of review and evaluation with respect to Cruiser’s four nominees. *At the board’s direction, each of Cruiser’s nominees was individually interviewed by Russell Reynolds, a leading search firm that has been advising Ashland in its ongoing board refreshment process. Following that review, Russell Reynolds conducted further research on and evaluation of each candidate and provided feedback and recommendations, which were discussed in detail with Ashland’s Governance and Nominating Committee and the full board.

*After a thorough review of Cruiser’s four nominees, it was determined with the unanimous support of the board that the nominees were not additive to the skills and expertise of the existing board members.* Importantly, the process followed with respect to the Cruiser nominees is Ashland board’s standard practice for reviewing potential candidates and is the same process that led to last year’s appointment to the board of Cruiser’s recommendation, Mr. Peribere. It is also important to note that one of Cruiser’s nominees is 83 years old, more than a decade older than the board’s mandatory retirement age.

While the Ashland board would prefer to forego the cost and resource demands of a proxy contest, it will not approve nominees who are not additive to the board simply to avoid one.

*CRUISER HAS OFFERED NO NEW ACTIONABLE IDEAS*

Your board and management team have maintained an open dialogue and held numerous discussions with Cruiser since they made their investment in Ashland. In fact, Ashland’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wulfsohn, and Governance and Nominating Committee Chair, Mr. Cummins, spoke with two of Cruiser’s nominees (Dr. Bill Joyce and Allen Spizzo) on December 21, 2018. Mr. Wulfsohn and Mr. Cummins evaluated their feedback and have offered to meet again with them to learn of any specific ideas they may have towards improving the business. *However,* *Cruiser has not provided our board or management team with any new ideas to drive value. *

*ASHLAND HAS A STRONG BOARD AND MANAGEMENT TEAM EXECUTING ITS TRANSFORMATION AND DELIVERING RESULTS FOR SHAREHOLDERS*

*Now is the time to focus on the continued execution of our successful plan and avoid disrupting the progress Ashland is making.* *Ashland has a strong team and strategy in place to achieve its objectives and is committed to regularly taking steps to refresh and strengthen its board membership to ensure that it has the right mix of experience and capabilities. Your board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the election of ALL of your board of directors’ nominees using the enclosed BLUE proxy card today. *

We appreciate your continued confidence in Ashland.

Sincerely,

The Ashland Board of Directors

*YOUR VOTE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NO MATTER HOW MANY SHARES YOU OWN.*

*If you have any questions or require any assistance with voting your shares, please contact Ashland’s proxy solicitor:*

*Innisfree M&A Incorporated*
*Stockholders may call toll-free: 1 (877) 456-3402*
*Banks and Brokers may call collect: 1 (212) 750-5833*

Remember, your board of directors does not endorse any of the Cruiser nominees and strongly urges you not to sign or return any White proxy card sent to you by Cruiser. If you have previously voted using a White proxy card sent to you by Cruiser, you can revoke that proxy by using the enclosed *BLUE* proxy card to vote by Internet, by telephone or by signing,*About Craig A. Rogerson*
Craig A. Rogerson is the current Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hexion Inc. Prior to this position, Mr. Rogerson served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chemtura Corporation from December 2008 until April 2017. Prior to joining Chemtura, Mr. Rogerson served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Hercules Incorporated from December 2003 until November 2008 when Hercules was acquired by Ashland. Mr. Rogerson joined Hercules in 1979 and served in a number of management positions before leaving the company to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of Wacker Silicones Corporation in 1997. In May 2000, Mr. Rogerson rejoined Hercules and was named President of its BetzDearborn Division in August 2000. Prior to being named Chief Executive Officer of Hercules in December 2003, Mr. Rogerson held a variety of senior management positions with the company. He is a director of PPL Corporation where he serves on the Audit and Executive Committees and chairs the Compensation, Governance and Nominating Committee. Mr. Rogerson previously served as a director of Chemtura Corporation and Hercules. He received a Chemical Engineering degree from Michigan State University.

*About Ashland*

Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a premier global specialty chemicals company serving customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including adhesives, architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, nutraceuticals, personal care and pharmaceutical. At Ashland, we are approximately 6,000 passionate, tenacious solvers - from renowned scientists and research chemists to talented engineers and plant operators - who thrive on developing practical, innovative and elegant solutions to complex problems for customers in more than 100 countries. Visit ashland.com to learn more.

C-ASH

*FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS*
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Ashland has identified some of these forward-looking statements with words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “is likely,” “predicts,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “objectives,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “plans” and “intends” and the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. Ashland may from time to time make forward-looking statements in its annual reports, quarterly reports and other filings with the SEC, news releases and other written and oral communications. These forward-looking statements are based on Ashland’s expectations and assumptions, as of the date such statements are made, regarding Ashland’s future operating performance and financial condition, as well as the economy and other future events or circumstances. These statements include, but may not be limited to, the statements under “FISCAL 2018: A YEAR OF PROGRESS ILLUSTRATING ASHLAND’S ABILITY TO DELIVER ON ITS COMMITMENTS TO INVESTORS”, Ashland’s assessment on its progress towards becoming a premier specialty chemicals company and its expectations regarding its ability to drive sales and earnings growth, realize further cost reductions and complete the anticipated divestiture of its Composites business and Marl BDO facility.

Ashland’s expectations and assumptions include, without limitation, internal forecasts and analyses of current and future market conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, operating efficiencies and economic conditions (such as prices, supply and demand, cost of raw materials, and the ability to recover raw-material cost increases through price increases), and risks and uncertainties associated with the following: the program to eliminate certain existing corporate and Specialty Ingredients expenses (including the possibility that such cost eliminations may not occur or may take longer to implement than anticipated), the expected divestiture of its Composites segment and the Marl BDO facility, and related merchant I&S products (including, in each case, the possibility that a transaction may not occur or that, if a transaction does occur, Ashland may not realize the anticipated benefits from such transaction), the impact of acquisitions and/or divestitures Ashland has made or may make, including the acquisition of Pharmachem (including the possibility that Ashland may not realize the anticipated benefits from such transactions); Ashland’s substantial indebtedness (including the possibility that such indebtedness and related restrictive covenants may adversely affect Ashland’s future cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and its ability to repay debt); Ashland’s ability to generate sufficient cash to finance its stock repurchase plans; severe weather, natural disasters, cyber events and legal proceedings and claims (including product recalls, environmental and asbestos matters); and without limitation, risks and uncertainties affecting Ashland that are described in Ashland’s most recent Form 10-K (including Item 1A Risk Factors) filed with the SEC, which is available on Ashland’s website at http://investor.ashland.com or on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Various risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, projected or implied by any forward-looking statements. Ashland believes its expectations and assumptions are reasonable, but there can be no assurance that the expectations reflected herein will be achieved. Unless legally required, Ashland undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this communication whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION *
On January 2, 2019, Ashland filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “proxy statement”) and blue proxy card in connection with its 2019 Annual Meeting, which is available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and Ashland’s website at http://investor.ashland.com. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ASHLAND’S PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO AND ACCOMPANYING BLUE PROXY CARD, FILED WITH OR FURNISHED TO THE SEC BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN, OR WILL CONTAIN, IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ASHLAND.

*CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING PARTICIPANTS *
Ashland, its directors, director nominees and certain of its officers, including William A. Wulfsohn, Brendan Cummins, William G. Dempsey, Jay V. Ihlenfeld, Susan L. Main, Jerome A. Peribere, Barry W. Perry, Craig A. Rogerson, Mark C. Rohr, Janice J. Teal, Michael J. Ward, Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, J. Kevin Willis, Peter J. Ganz and Seth A. Mrozek, will be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in respect of the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Information regarding the ownership of the Company’s directors and executive officers in the company by security holdings or otherwise is included in Ashland’s proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on January 2, 2019. To the extent holdings of Ashland securities have changed since the amounts printed in the proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Stockholders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement and other relevant documents that Ashland files with the SEC on Ashland’s website at http://investor.ashland.com or from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

*APPENDIX A*

*EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation*

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation Chart

(a) Excludes $14 million and $19 million of accelerated depreciation during 2018 and 2017, respectively.

(b) Excludes expense of $2 million during 2018 related to ongoing adjustments of previous divestiture transactions.
(c) Includes $9 million and $8 million during 2018 and 2017, respectively, of net periodic pension and other postretirement costs (income) recognized ratably through the fiscal year. These costs (income) are comprised of service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, and amortization of prior service credit and are disclosed in further detail in Note N of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Ashland’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 19, 2018.
(d) Debt refinancing costs during 2018 primarily included a $1 million charge for new debt issuance costs incurred with the re-pricing of the term loan B facility. Debt refinancing costs during 2017 included $92 million of accelerated accretion from the tender offer of the 2029 notes, a $16 million charge for early redemption premium payments and bondholder consent fees for senior notes due 2018 and 2022, a $9 million charge for debt issuance costs resulting from financing activity for the 2017 Credit Agreement and a net gain of $5 million related to the repayment of notes due 2029. All debt refinancing costs were recorded within the net interest and other financing expense caption on the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss). See Note J of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Ashland’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 19, 2018 for more information.

*Diluted EPS and Adjusted Diluted EPS*

Diluted EPS and Adjusted Diluted EPS Chart

(a) Represents the diluted EPS impact from the tax effect of the key items that are previously identified above.
(b) Represents the diluted EPS impact from tax specific financial transactions, tax law changes or other matters that fall within the definition of tax specific key items. For additional explanation of these tax specific key items, see the income tax expense (benefit) discussion within the caption review section in Ashland’s Form 10-K filed on November 19, 2018.

 *FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:*

Investor Relations:                                                    Media Relations:
Seth A. Mrozek                                                         Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
+1 (859) 815-3527                                                   Steve Frankel / Jill Kary
samrozek@ashland.com                                            +1 (212) 335-4449     

--------------------

^1 See Appendix A for a reconciliation of Adjusted Diluted EPS to Diluted EPS.

^2 See Appendix A for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income.

^3 Proxy peers include Albemarle Corporation (ALB), Axalta Coating Systems (AXTA), Cabot Corporation (CBT), Celanese Corporation (CE), Eastman Chemical Company (EMN), FMC Corporation (FMC), H.B. Fuller Company (FUL), Huntsman Corporation (HUN), International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), NewMarket Corporation (NEU), Olin Corporation (OLN), Platform Specialty Products Corporation (PAH), Polyone Corporation (POL), RPM International Inc. (RPM), W. R. Grace and Company (GRA), and Westlake Chemical Corporation (WLK). A. Schulman not included due to acquisition by LyondellBasell completed on August 21, 2018.

^4 All TSR figures are as of December 27, 2018, the last possible date before going to print.

^5 Divestitures include Valvoline enterprise value of $5.3 billion post-final separation as of May 15, 2017, Water Technologies sale price of $1.8 billion, APAC sale price of $1.3 billion, Ashland Distribution sale price of $979 million, Drew Marine sale price of $120 million, Elastomers sale, and Composites and BDO announced sale price of $1.1 billion.

^6 Biographical information for each director nominee may be found in the section “Proposal One—Election of Directors” in Ashland’s proxy statement.

^7 Mr. Cummins serves on the board of Nanco Group Plc, headquartered in the United Kingdom.

^8 Ms. Wilson-Thompson also brings valuable experience in managing significant corporate change and related personnel issues.

^9 EY Center for Board Members – Corporate Governance by the Numbers.

  *Attachments*

· Valuable Experience in Areas Critical to Ashland’s Business Chart
· EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation Chart
· Diluted EPS and Adjusted Diluted EPS Chart Reported by GlobeNewswire 9 hours ago.
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